Air Fryer Cake: Baking A Sweet Treat With Ease

Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens that can be used to bake cakes. They are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens as they preheat quickly, bake cakes faster, and save energy. Air fryers also produce cakes with a moist and tender texture due to the even distribution of heat and circulation of hot air.

To bake a cake in an air fryer, you will need a cake batter, an air fryer, and a cake pan that fits inside the air fryer. You can use a store-bought cake mix or make your own batter from scratch. The pan should be greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

The air fryer should be preheated to around 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cake batter is then poured into the prepared pan and placed inside. The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer model, but it typically takes around 15-30 minutes. It is important to monitor the cake's progress and use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Once the cake is baked, it should be allowed to cool before being removed from the pan and decorated as desired.

Choosing the right pan

• Size and Fit: Ensure that the cake pan fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket. Measure the inside of your air fryer basket and select a round pan that is smaller than the basket's dimensions. A pan that is too large may not fit properly and could interfere with the air circulation.
• Material: You can use various materials for the cake pan, including metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone. Silicone cake pans are a popular choice due to their flexibility, non-stick properties, and ease of removal. Some air fryers come with aluminium cake pans or accessories designed specifically for baking, which are safe to use.
• Type: Depending on your needs, you can choose from different types of cake pans. Standard round or square cake pans are the most common. Half-size Bundt pans are also a good option, as they allow hot air to circulate through the centre, resulting in more even baking. Springform cake pans are ideal for cheesecakes or delicate cakes, as they have a removable bottom. Mini cake pans are perfect for individual-sized cakes or cupcakes. Stackable or tiered cake pans are great for creating layered cakes.
• Preparation: Before using the cake pan, prepare it properly. Grease the inside of the pan with shortening, butter, or non-stick cooking spray. You can also flour the pan after greasing to ensure the cake doesn't stick. Additionally, consider lining the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra precaution.
• Cake Strips: Using cake strips is optional but recommended. Cake strips help promote even baking, preventing the sides of the cake from browning too much or getting overdone compared to the middle. They also assist in preventing the cake from doming or cracking in the centre.

Preparing the pan

First, select a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. The size of your air fryer basket will determine the size of the cake pan you can use. Make sure to measure the inside of your air fryer basket to choose the right cake pan. You can use a round pan, a square pan, or even a bundt pan, as long as it fits inside the air fryer.

Once you have the right cake pan, it's time to prep it. Start by greasing the inside of the pan with a shortening or non-stick cooking spray. This will help ensure that your cake doesn't stick to the pan. You can also add a flour coating by tapping the pan with flour after greasing it. As an extra precaution, you can place a round piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

If you have cake strips, you can use them to help ensure even baking and prevent the cake from doming in the middle. Soak the cake strips in water, wring them out, and then place them around your cake pan.

Now, fill up the cake pan with your cake batter. Fill it a little over halfway full, or follow the instructions on your cake mix box. If you have any cake batter remaining, you can make cupcakes or fill up the cake pan in batches and cook in turns.

Your cake pan is now ready to be placed into the air fryer! Make sure to set the air fryer to the correct temperature and time, typically around 320-350°F (160-176°C) for about 20-30 minutes. Remember to allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before placing the cake pan inside.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Temperature:

Most air fryers will require a lower temperature than a conventional oven for baking a cake. The recommended temperature for air frying a cake is typically between 320°F (160°C) and 350°F (176°C). However, it's important to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions, as temperatures may vary slightly between models.

Timing:

The timing for baking a cake in an air fryer will depend on the size of your cake and the type of air fryer you have. A good rule of thumb is to start checking your cake for doneness after around 15 minutes of baking time. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the centre of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. If not, continue baking in 5-minute intervals until done.

Tips for Successful Timing:

• Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes before placing your cake inside.
• Be mindful that air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, so keep a close eye on your cake as it bakes.
• If your cake is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminium foil to prevent burning.
• If you notice uneven cooking or browning, rotate the cake pan halfway through the baking process to ensure even results.
• Allow your cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and prevents it from falling apart.

Troubleshooting:

If your cake is browning too quickly or slowly, adjust the temperature slightly to suit your specific air fryer model. Additionally, if your cake is not cooking evenly, consider using a smaller pan to ensure even heat distribution.

Baking a cake in an air fryer requires some experimentation to find the right temperature and timing for your particular model. By following the instructions and tips provided, you'll be well on your way to air frying delicious cakes with perfect timing and temperature control.

Checking the cake is done

Checking if your cake is done is a crucial step in the baking process. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

After 17 to 18 minutes, slide the basket out of the air fryer. Now, do the toothpick test. Poke the top of the cake in the middle with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, slide the basket with the cake back into the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes or so. Be cautious when handling the basket and cake pan as they will be extremely hot!

If the cake is not done and the top is getting too brown, place a piece of aluminium foil over it and continue cooking. You can also cover the cake with foil if the top is browning too quickly at around the 15-minute mark.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the air fryer and place the pan on a hot pad. Allow the warm cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, flip the cake over and remove it from the pan. It should come out easily. Remove the parchment paper, if used, and place the cake on a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Another way to check if your cake is done is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the probe into the middle of the cake, ensuring it does not touch the bottom of the pan, and check if the temperature reads around 209°F (98°C).

Decorating the cake

Once your cake is baked and cooled, it's time to decorate! You can decorate your cake however you like, with some buttercream frosting, your favourite frosting from the store, or even some homemade chocolate frosting. You can also add some sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate chips, or other types of toppings. If you want to get creative, you can pipe a ring of frosting around the edge of the cake and fill the middle with jam. Then, spread some frosting over the top of the cake and decorate with fresh berries or other types of fruit. You can also dust the cake with icing sugar or cocoa powder. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can add some crushed chocolate chip cookies on top of a chocolate cake while it's still warm.

If you want to make a layer cake, simply slice the cake in half horizontally and add a layer of frosting in the middle. You can also fill the cake with buttercream or frosting and sandwich the two halves together.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating your air fryer cake, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours, colours, and textures. Enjoy your delicious homemade treat!

Frequently asked questions